CONCEPT OF AHARA VIDHI VIDHANA AS A CLASSICAL DIETARY GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH MAINTENANCE

Āhāra Vidhi Vidhāna is an important dietary guideline described in the Ayurveda text. Ayurveda considers food (Āhāra) as one of the three pillars of life, along with sleep and disciplined conduct. Food is not viewed only as nutrition but also as a tool to maintain health and prevents disease. According to Charaka, the same food can act as useful or harmful depending on the guidelines. Āhāra Vidhi Vidhāna explains the right way of eating by developing rules related to food selection, processing, combination, quantity, time, place, and manner of eating. The concept of Āhāra Vidhi Viśeṣāyatana highlights eight important factors that influence the effect of food, including Prakṛuti, Karaṇa, Saṃyoga, Rāśi, Deśa, Kāla, Upayoga Saṃsthā, and Upayoktā. These factors help in understanding individual selection of diet based on the principles of body constitution, digestion and nourishment. Ayurveda also describes practical rules of eating, which focus on warm food, proper quantity, appropriate timing, compatible combinations, and mindful eating. These rules protect digestive power (Agni), prevent formation of toxins (Āma), and support proper tissue nourishment. The physiological and clinical significance of these principles shows their relevance in maintaining digestion, metabolic balance, and overall health. This review highlights that Āhāra Vidhi Vidhāna is not merely a traditional dietary guideline but a comprehensive preventive and therapeutic approach. The principles discussed remain highly relevant in present times, especially in the prevention of lifestyle and metabolic disorders. Proper understanding and application of these dietary rules can contribute significantly to health maintenance and disease prevention.